Johannes Kepler’s observations of the Sun hundreds of years ago allowed scientists to better understand the Sun’s movements and sunspots. Kepler’s detailed Sun views in 1607 made a significant splash in the scientific world and revealed new information about the Sun’s 11-year cycle.

We solved the mysteries of the Sun centuries later with Kepler’s drawings

Johannes Kepler not only developed the laws of planetary motion, but also carefully observed the Sun. In 1607, Kepler made detailed drawings of the Sun using a camera obscura. These drawings helped scientists understand the Sun’s activity cycle. Kepler’s observations showed that the Sun was nearing the end of its 11-year cycle.

Kepler’s drawings show in great detail spots and other features on the Sun’s surface. These spots are known as sunspots and appear as temporary structures in the Sun’s photosphere. These areas of the Sun are cooler and darker than the hot, bright material around them. These spots are usually caused by increased tension in the Sun’s magnetic field and are part of the Sun’s cyclical activity.

Recent research has allowed Kepler’s drawings to be analyzed using modern techniques. A team led by Hisashi Hayakawa of Nagoya University analyzed these drawings and gained new insights into how the Sun’s activity has changed over time. Kepler’s observations showed that the Sun was nearing the end of its 11-year cycle and could contribute to our understanding of the Maunder Minimum, which occurred between 1645 and 1715.

The Sun’s activity cycle is the intensity of sunspots and other solar events over a period of time. Kepler’s observations are important in understanding how these cycles match up with historical data. Periods of low activity on the Sun can have an impact on climate and life on the planet. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of past low activity periods on the Sun and to predict future cycles. Kepler’s drawings are a valuable resource for scientists who want to study the Sun’s long-term behavior.